Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda
Location: Central Gabon
Year of Inscription: 2007
Criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda is a unique site that encompasses the entire Lopé National Park in Gabon. The park is a large area of rainforest that is home to a diverse range of species, including forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, and several species of monkey. It is also home to a number of cultural sites that bear witness to the presence of human occupation in the area for over 4000 years.
Prominent Features: The Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda is home to a number of unique features, including:
Lopé National Park: The park is one of the largest areas of rainforest in Central Africa, covering over 4,500 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse range of species, including several species of primates, elephants, and antelopes.
Rock art sites: The park is home to several rock art sites that bear witness to the presence of human occupation in the area for over 4000 years. The rock art depicts animals, humans, and other scenes from daily life.
Ancient village sites: The park is also home to a number of ancient village sites that provide insight into the cultural traditions of the people who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
History: The Lopé-Okanda area has been inhabited by humans for over 4000 years, and the park contains a number of cultural sites that bear witness to this long history. The park was established in 1946 to protect the area's rich biodiversity, and it has since become one of the most important protected areas in Central Africa.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the Lopé National Park and go on guided hikes to see the diverse range of species that call the park home. They can also visit the park's cultural sites to learn about the area's rich history and cultural traditions.
Fun Fact: The Lopé National Park is home to over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee for the Lopé National Park, which varies depending on nationality and the length of stay. Guided tours are also available for an additional fee.
How to Reach It: The Lopé National Park is located approximately 400 kilometers east of Libreville, the capital of Gabon.
By bus, you can take a bus from the Gare Routière de Libreville (Libreville Bus Station) to Kango. From Kango, you can take another bus to Lopé, which is the nearest town to the park. The journey from Libreville to Lopé takes about 6-8 hours and the buses generally run daily.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in and around the Lopé National Park, ranging from budget to mid-range options. The park also offers camping facilities for those who wish to stay overnight in the park.
Next Stop: Ivindo National Park
Year of Inscription: 2007
Criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda is a unique site that encompasses the entire Lopé National Park in Gabon. The park is a large area of rainforest that is home to a diverse range of species, including forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, and several species of monkey. It is also home to a number of cultural sites that bear witness to the presence of human occupation in the area for over 4000 years.
Prominent Features: The Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda is home to a number of unique features, including:
Lopé National Park: The park is one of the largest areas of rainforest in Central Africa, covering over 4,500 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse range of species, including several species of primates, elephants, and antelopes.
Rock art sites: The park is home to several rock art sites that bear witness to the presence of human occupation in the area for over 4000 years. The rock art depicts animals, humans, and other scenes from daily life.
Ancient village sites: The park is also home to a number of ancient village sites that provide insight into the cultural traditions of the people who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
History: The Lopé-Okanda area has been inhabited by humans for over 4000 years, and the park contains a number of cultural sites that bear witness to this long history. The park was established in 1946 to protect the area's rich biodiversity, and it has since become one of the most important protected areas in Central Africa.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the Lopé National Park and go on guided hikes to see the diverse range of species that call the park home. They can also visit the park's cultural sites to learn about the area's rich history and cultural traditions.
Fun Fact: The Lopé National Park is home to over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee for the Lopé National Park, which varies depending on nationality and the length of stay. Guided tours are also available for an additional fee.
How to Reach It: The Lopé National Park is located approximately 400 kilometers east of Libreville, the capital of Gabon.
By bus, you can take a bus from the Gare Routière de Libreville (Libreville Bus Station) to Kango. From Kango, you can take another bus to Lopé, which is the nearest town to the park. The journey from Libreville to Lopé takes about 6-8 hours and the buses generally run daily.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in and around the Lopé National Park, ranging from budget to mid-range options. The park also offers camping facilities for those who wish to stay overnight in the park.
Next Stop: Ivindo National Park